Swelling is normal after surgery. After surgery on your knee, swelling is greatest for the first 6 weeks, but may persist to some degree for months. You may notice the swelling worsens throughout the day due to the effect of gravity and activity. Your knee is vulnerable to too much activity in the early recovery phase - most people who are very sore are simply doing ’too much too soon’ for their body and need to reduce their activity levels.

Clot risk is low — you can move and walk soon after surgery. Ankle pumps and short walks further reduce risk. Blood-thinning medication is generally not required after arthroscopy.

Sutures are routinely placed in each small incision. Bandaids and a clear waterproof dressing are applied in theatre. You may remove your dressing 2 weeks after your surgery.

It is safe to fly within a few days of your arthroscopy. If you do fly, take short walks up the aisle regularly and keep your calf muscles pumping while seated to help prevent deep vein thrombosis.

Keep your clear waterproof dressing in place for 2 weeks. Take oral pain tablets as directed. Ice the joint — wrap ice cubes in a tea towel; do not place ice directly on skin. Walk short distances, as much as is comfortable.

You will have an appointment 2-3 weeks after surgery for a progress and wound check with an Ascent Orthopaedics nurse and surgeon. Further reviews may be required in some cases.

You may shower with the clear waterproof dressing intact. If it comes off or water reaches the incision, call us for a replacement. Avoid baths, pools and spas for the first 2 weeks.